The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing an intensive maritime search and rescue operation for MBCA Amejara, a motor banca that went missing after departing Davao City over the weekend with 16 people on board.
According to the PCG, the vessel left Sta. Ana Wharf at around 8 p.m. Saturday bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
When it failed to arrive as scheduled, authorities were alerted early Sunday, prompting a large-scale maritime search.
The Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) said prevailing weather and sea conditions may have caused the vessel to drift toward the coastal waters of Davao Occidental.
The boat was last sighted at around 3 p.m. Monday near Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
In response, the Coast Guard coordinated with various government agencies and deployed extensive search assets.
As of Tuesday morning, eight floating assets and one aircraft have been dispatched to scour key maritime routes across Eastern and Southern Mindanao.
Search efforts yielded a breakthrough on Tuesday when CGDSEM confirmed the rescue of one survivor.
At approximately 10:46 a.m., Coast Guard personnel operating through CGSS MAVEAS, in coordination with the Security Border Patrol Unit–SEM and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, rescued Christopher Bulig, a crew member of MBCA Amejara, in the waters off Barangay Laker in Sarangani.
Bulig was immediately provided medical assistance and transferred to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.
CGDSEM Commander Commodore Philipps Soria said search operations remain ongoing as teams work to locate the remaining 15 passengers.
The PCG has also issued a Notice to Mariners, calling on vessels, watercraft operators, and fisherfolk navigating the Davao Gulf and nearby waters to remain vigilant.
Those operating near Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, and Governor Generoso are urged to immediately report any sighting or information related to the missing vessel.
